Thomas Boyd/The OregonianMayor Sam Adams speaks with Occupy Portland on Oct. 12 -- about a week after the protest started. The movement has now been in Chapman and Lownsdale squares for more than a month.

I know that you agree that the growing number of arrests and reports of illicit drug and alcohol use, violent behavior and other criminal conduct must be immediately addressed. I understand that similar challenges have arisen at other Occupy encampments. Uniquely, I appreciate that Occupy Portland, via the website www.occupyportland.com, is one of the few encampments to clearly note these challenges.

Thank you for meeting with representatives of the police bureau, my staff, non-profit service providers, and me to discuss concerns and potential solutions face-to-face.

The purpose of this open letter is to underscore to all Occupy Portland supporters the urgency of dealing with these issues. The way things are operating now is not sustainable.

I know there is a nationwide Occupy process for working through those things, which I want to give some time to work. But we cannot wait long.

It is imperative that solving these serious problems be a priority for Occupy Portland, before a serious injury or death occurs. I do not want to see something like the following incidents occur in Portland, and I’m sure you do not, either:

In Vancouver, B.C., there has been a death in camp that is a suspected drug overdose; and

In Washington D.C., protesters have reportedly been the victims of two hit-and-run incidents.

I have said from the beginning that I believe the Occupy movement would have to evolve in order to realize its full potential. Based on my conversations with mayors around the country, I know that Portland is not unique in facing these real issues around camps. But I hope we are unique in our solutions. In Bend, Oregon, Occupy participants have closed their camp, but continue to meet regularly. I believe Occupy Portland can lead the nation in figuring out what the next phase of the Occupy Movement looks like.

We've got work to do—and by we, I mean everybody, including all Occupy supporters. I look forward to finding solutions in the coming days.

Sincerely,Sam Adams
Mayor

Adams letter comes three weeks after Commissioner Nick Fish sent a similar open letter to protesters. "We share a collective responsibility to be good stewards of our public
lands," Fish wrote on Oct. 17. "Lownsdale and Chapman Squares are public assets that deserve to be treated with respect and care. In this spirit, I request that Occupy Portland take immediate steps to work with Parks & Recreation professionals to make changes that will minimize the damage to the parks."